JSC RusHydro and the government of the Saratov region, Russia, have signed a cooperation agreement, aimed at supporting the development of hydropower and power plant engineering.
Under the deal, RusHydro and the Saratov region will collaborate on the investment projects undertaken by the former in the region: €1bn overhaul of hydro-units of Saratovskaya hydropower plant and joint construction with Voith Hydro of a hydropower equipment manufacturing plant in Balakovo of the Saratovsk region.
The total investment in the joint venture (JV) of RusHydro and Voith will amount to €50m, and the sales of the plant are estimated at €500m. The first significant order for the JV will be production of hydroelectric equipment for Saratovskaya hydropower plant.
The 13-year overhaul of Saratovskaya hydropower plant will encompass the replacement of 21 vertical Kaplan turbines with hydro turbines of a new generation and one hydro-unit. The government of the Saratov region will assist the companies for the power projects.